Your guide to bathroom ventilation
This guide will take a deep dive into why good ventilation is so important and the clear signs of poor ventilation. You can also learn more about how you can improve your bathroom’s indoor climate.
Why it is important to have good bathroom ventilation
Good ventilation in your bathroom is important for a number of reasons. In fact, it is not just a question of comfort. It is also important the health of you and your home. We have collected four good reasons as to why it is important to ventilate your bathroom, either with a window or a fan.
- Bathrooms are generally humid places. When you have a warm bath, all the moisture rises and condenses on the walls and ceiling. It creates a naturally humid environment that needs regular ventilation.
- Ventilation in your bathroom helps in particular to minimise the risk of dry rot or mould forming in your bathroom, both of which love humidity. In fact, it can not only cause damage to bathroom materials, but it can also be harmful to your health.
- Ventilation in bathrooms helps to remove bad odours that can come from your toilet, the drain in your sink and shower and from the humid environment.
- Over time, excess moisture can also damage the materials in your bathroom. This applies to joints and wood, which can both be damaged if you are not able to get rid of the moisture.
So, there are many good reasons as to why it is worth thinking about ventilation. It improves the indoor climate in many ways, and will help you keep a healthy and comfortable space.
Four signs that you have poor ventilation in your bathroom
Are you unsure as to whether your bathroom has a poor indoor climate? We have collected four signs that your bathroom needs better ventilation. If you recognise any of the points below, then it may be a good idea to consider improving extraction in some way or another.
- Persistent odour: Is there a constant damp or musty odour in your bathroom? Then this may be a sign of poor ventilation.
- Condensation on your mirror: If your mirror is steamed up for a long time after you have showered, then this is a clear sign that your ventilation is not working as best it can.
- Discoloured joints: Can you see dark spots at the joints inside your shower? This may well be a sign of mould which thrives in humid environments.
- Damage to wood from damp: Do you have wood fitting in your bathroom, and are they starting to get discoloured or have their paint peel off? Then this is a clear sign that extraction is not working as well as it should.
Do any of these signs sound familiar? Then it is important that you improve the ventilation in the bathroom to protect yourself and your home.
Types of ventilation in your bathroom
When it comes to ventilation in your bathroom, there are three main methods you can use. First of all, there is natural ventilation, which usually involves opening a window and letting fresh air in. Secondly, there is electric ventilation, where a bathroom vent removes moist air and replaces it with fresh air. The final method is a combination of natural and electric ventilation where you use the window and vent to air the room out. We will go into more detail on each of these below.
Using a window to ventilate your bathroom
If you want to improve ventilation in your bathroom, an obvious solution is to open a window if your bathroom has one. It is a completely natural way to ensure good ventilation in your bathroom, especially after a bath where the humidity is particularly high. An open window can help to remove humidity and prevent the formation of condensation as both can lead to damage, dry rot and mould.
Optimise your bathroom ventilation with an extractor fan
A bathroom extractor fan is an effective tool to improve ventilation in your bathroom. It can help to regulate the humidity level and remove moisture.
At Biltema, we have a wide selection of different extractor fans for the bathroom. Our range includes different models designed to optimise ventilation in your bathroom. This is an easy and effective solution that can make a big difference to your bathroom’s indoor climate.
Find all our ventilation products here
Use a combination of electric and natural ventilation
To achieve the best ventilation possible, it is a good idea to combine natural and electric ventilation if you are able to do so. This means using both a window and extractor fan to ensure a healthy indoor climate. After your daily shower, you can open a window to left fresh air flow in, while the extractor fan removes the humid air. This creates very efficient circulation.
Faktisk er det et krav, at du supplerer udluftning gennem vinduet med enten en mekanisk ventilation eller et naturligt aftræk for at opnå en optimal udluftning. På den måde kan du være sikker på altid at have et godt indeklima på badeværelset. Og kravene kan du blive klogere på herunder.
Requirements for bathroom ventilation
Did you know that it is actually necessary to comply with a number of requirements for ventilation in your bathroom? Building regulations set a number of requirements that you must comply with if you are building a brand new bathroom or renovating an existing one.
A single window is not sufficient. In addition to the humid air being able to get out, it is important that fresh air can come in. It is important the air can be replaced. It is therefore a requirement that there be a separate extractor, and this can be either an electric or natural vent. You can decide yourself.
It is also crucial that you comply with different requirements for ventilation when building a brand new bathroom or when you are renovating an existing one. This helps to ensure a comfortable indoor climate and not least compliance with building regulations.
How to find the right extractor fan
When looking for the right extractor fan for your bathroom, there are several factors you should take into consideration before you buy. We have collected a few considerations that you should think about when looking for the right extractor fan.
- Humidity sensor: Firstly, you should consider whether you want an extractor fan with a humidity sensor. These fans automatically turn on when the humidity of your bathroom reaches a specific level.
- Timer: Do you want your modern extractor fan to come with a timer? A fan with a timer allows you to set how long the extractor fan should be on for. This is great if you want the fan to stay on for a specific amount of time when you leave the bathroom.
- Downdraught cover: You should also decide whether you want it to come with an automatic downdraught cover. This prevents cold air from coming in when the extractor fan is off.
- Switch: Are you looking for an extractor fan with an automatic start, or do you want to be able to control it with a separate switch? A switch gives you full control over when and for how long it will be on.
- Wall or ceiling installation: Do you know where you want the extractor fan to be? Then you need to find a model that works for your desired type of installation, either on the ceiling or the wall.
- Design: Is design an important factor for you? If it is, then luckily there are many models with elegant and discreet front panels that will fit in seamlessly with the rest of your bathroom fittings.
- Noise: Most people want an extractor fan with low levels of noise so it is not disturbing. If you also want this, then you should make sure that you choose a model with a low noise level. Luckily, there are many quiet extractor fans available at Biltema.
If you account for these various factors, then you will be in a better position to find the extractor fan that is just right for you and your needs.
